EPL Matchday 14: Chelsea vs West Ham

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EPL Matchday 14 has been an awesome Matchday I must say. The fixtures in it have been very entertaining as we had the likes of Palace vs Liverpool, Southampton vs Manchester City, Everton vs Arsenal, Tottenham vs Leicester City, and Manchester United vs Leeds United. Today is no exception as we get another London derby in which Chelsea will be hosting West Ham.

Both teams will definitely be coming into this game with the intention of claiming all 3 points. Chelsea in particular will be all out for the 3 points, not just only to get back to winning ways after a dismal run of 2 consecutive away losses to Everton and Wolves, but also to close the point gap between they and first placed Liverpool if they(Chelsea) want to get a short at the title. A win should see them reduce the gap to 6 points, and push them up to 5th position on equal points with Tottenham(25) but with a better goal difference. However, I bet the Blues will not be having it all their way as West Ham, although not title contenders, will also want to at least, lay their hands on an Europa spot(a big achievement for clubs like this).

Taking a side between both teams is something that would be extremely hard, it's like making a choice between the devil and the deep blue sea and here are my reasons:

1. London Derby: We definitely know how derby matches always get a twist, London derbies are no different. I don't get suprised when I see big teams get beaten by lesser teams when they meet in derbies. it usually look like an abnormality to me, but it is just how derbies are structured.
2. Head To Head: In their previous 7 meetings, it's being a close one between both sides, although, West Ham have been the better team side winning 3, drawing 2, and losing 2. Out of the 3 wins West Ham had over Chelsea, 2 occurred last year with 1 of it being at the bridge.
   A defect to this stat going in favour of West Ham is the only fact that the Chelsea team they played last year weren't at their best and needed a bit of tush up which they've done.
3. Performance This Season: This stat makes picking a side even more difficult.
   West Ham have lost only 4 games this season, and the 4 were against top teams(Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal!they've gone bad though), and Everton). However, they've also had good games against big sides like defeating Leicester City and Wolves, whist earning scintillating draws against Tottenham and Manchester City. If we are to judge from these facts, they should either get a lose or draw against Chelsea. Chelsea, on the other hand, lost to similar teams as West Ham bar Manchester United, endured drawa against big sides like Manchester United, Tottenham and Southampton, and whizzed past lesser teams bar WestBromwish Albion. The same fate as that of West Ham is also likely for Chelsea if we are to judge with this stats as West Ham are not a small team.
   But if we look closer to their most recent games, I will stick more to West Ham for a win, or at least a draw. They(West Ham) have only lost 1 game in their last 4 EPL games(against the rampaging Manchester United), drawing another 1, and winning the remaining 2. Chelsea, on the other hand, have won just 1, drawn 1, and lost 2(their last 2 games).
   You might want to put the argument that Chelsea didn't have the services of Ziyech and Odoi in those games, that's true, and although Odoi could get a chance today, the situation for Chelsea could now be worse as they will also be without the service of the amazing Reece James due to injury(he will be joining Ziyech on the sidelines).

We definitely should have another entertaining game today. Let's enjoy it.

Feel free to drop your opinions and comments.

Much Love.